Turbines near East Midlands Airport to start generating power with help from Aveillant’s radar

The wind turbines at Severn Trent’s Spondon site near East Midlands Airport are now generating power.

By working in close partnership, East Midlands Airport, Aveillant and Severn Trent have achieved a world first in civil aviation by installing Aveillant’s pioneering technology that ensures that the turbines don’t interfere with the airport’s radar.

Following extensive testing and field trials Aveillant’s new holographic radar technology received approval from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in 2016. Severn Trent and East Midlands Airport then worked together to develop detailed arrangements and procedures allowing operation of this unique technology.

David Crisp, Aveillant’s CEO, said: "We’re very pleased to see the project completed and to have attained another world-first in radar technology. Wind farm clutter is a problem for many Primary Surveillance Radars, and only Aveillant’s technology solves the issues at root, without the need to blank out areas of coverage. It’s really good to see the turbines turning.”

Andy Smith, Managing Director of Business Services at Severn Trent, said: “It’s great news that the turbines can start turning full-time and we’d like to thank East Midlands Airport and Aveillant for all their support. The turbines will generate enough electricity to power around 3,000 homes a year which contributes to our pledge to self-generate the equivalent of half of Severn Trent Water’s energy needs from renewable sources by 2020.”

Andy Cliffe, Managing Director East Midlands Airport, said: “We’re delighted to see the two wind turbines at Spondon begin to generate power. This project has been a long time in the planning with a rigorous testing process to ensure that our operation remains unaffected. Working collaboratively with Severn Trent and Aveillant has allowed us to be part of this and we’re extremely pleased with the outcome.”

Media: Tom Rayner +44 7908 001 338

Aveillant Ltd is a leading radar technology company based in Cambridge, UK, specialising in applications of its unique radar platform. Key markets are in security, aviation and defence.